Communication is a fundamental part of human interaction, and with it comes a responsibility to listen and understand one another. Often, we can unintentionally hurt someone with our words or actions, even if we didn’t mean to. In these situations, it’s important to recognize the hurt we have caused and take responsibility for our actions.
The quote “When a person tells you that you hurt them, you don’t get to decide that you didn’t” is a powerful reminder of this responsibility. It highlights the importance of acknowledging and validating someone else’s feelings, rather than dismissing or denying them.

It can be tempting to become defensive when we are confronted with the fact that we have hurt someone. We might try to rationalize our behavior, minimize the impact of our words or actions, or even blame the other person for being too sensitive. However, this approach does not help us grow or repair the damage done.
Instead, we must be willing to listen to the other person’s perspective, empathize with their feelings, and take responsibility for our actions. This means acknowledging the harm we have caused, apologizing sincerely, and committing to making things right.
When we take responsibility for our actions, we not only show respect for the other person’s feelings, but we also demonstrate our own integrity and willingness to learn and grow. We can use these experiences to become more self-aware and develop better communication and interpersonal skills, which will benefit us in all aspects of our lives.
In conclusion, the quote “When a person tells you that you hurt them, you don’t get to decide that you didn’t” reminds us of our responsibility to listen and acknowledge the impact of our words and actions on others. By taking ownership of our behavior and working to repair the damage we have caused, we can cultivate stronger relationships, foster trust and respect, and become better, more empathetic human beings.
Live Smart
Love Always.
Michael Amankwa.
